September 6, 2017

The U.S. monthly international trade deficit increased in July 2017 according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau. The deficit increased from $43.5 billion in June (revised) to $43.7 billion in July, as exports decreased more than imports. The previously published June deficit was $43.6 billion. The goods deficit decreased less than $0.1 billion in July to $65.3 billion. The services surplus decreased $0.2 billion in July to $21.6 billion.

Balance on Goods and Services Trade Chart

Exports

Exports of goods and services decreased $0.6 billion, or 0.3 percent, in July to $194.4 billion. Exports of goods decreased $0.4 billion and exports of services decreased $0.1 billion.

  • The decrease in exports of goods mostly reflected decreases in consumer goods ($0.7 billion) and in automotive vehicles, parts, and engines ($0.6 billion). An increase in capital goods ($0.9 billion) partly offset the decreases.
  • The decrease in exports of services mostly reflected a decrease in travel (for all purposes including education) ($0.3 billion).

Imports

Imports of goods and services decreased $0.4 billion, or 0.2 percent, in July to $238.1 billion. Imports of goods decreased $0.5 billion and imports of services increased less than $0.1 billion.

  • The decrease in imports of goods mostly reflected decreases in automotive vehicles, parts, and engines ($0.8 billion) and in industrial supplies and materials ($0.7 billion). An increase in capital goods ($1.3 billion) partly offset the decreases.
  • Imports of services were nearly unchanged, reflecting small and offsetting changes across all categories.

For more information, read the full report.